Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Monday said no one could defend the statements of Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain in any way. Talking to a news channel, the minister said even MQM leaders would condemn the same statements if these were given by anyone else. He said there was law and constitution in the country which should take its course in this regard.
Pervaiz Rashid said that it was unforgivable crime till Altaf was owning its statements against the state institutions. He said after many years this time the markets remained opened whole night in Karachi on Eid-ul-Fitr eve and people of the city spent almost Rs 70 billion on Eid shopping.
He said, during his recent visit to Karachi, people on the roads met him and appreciated the government for restoring peace in the city. The minister said the Karachi operation would continue without any discrimination in the larger national interest as it was against criminals.
He said there were free media and independent judiciary then how any cruelty or discrimination against any specific party was possible. He said a money laundering case was registered against Altaf Hussain in London then why he did not speak against United Kingdom (UK). Pervaiz Rashid said that after the topple of a democratic government, MQM joined hands with a dictator who had given a new life to the party.
He said that Altaf Hussain's speech was the violation of the country's Constitution, adding he does not have any personal differences with Altaf Hussain but his speech was strongly condemnable. Replying to a question, he said the government has taken decision over Altaf's statement that was clearly addressed by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in his press conference on Sunday.